The stability of the atmosphere is often determined by whether displaced parcels of air show the tendency to rise or sink. This is easily determined by comparing the temperature profile of a displaced parcel of air (which behaves adiabatically) to the temperature profile of the air surrounding it. Examine the following table showing ENVIRONMENTAL LAPSE RATES (ELR) for two locations: ELEVATION (m)STATION "A"STATION "B"3000-4oC1 oC2700-332400-2421000618002815002101200-113900-415600-41830022208271.
Use the data for Station "A"to construct a graph showing the ELR from the ground surface (0 m) to an elevation of 3000 m.
Divide the horizontal axis into 1 cm intervals; let 1 cm represent 1oC. Divide the vertical axis 1 cm intervals; beginning at 0 m, let 1 cm represent 200 m. Plot points on this graph (showing the change in temperature with elevation) and join the points with straight line segments.
NOTE: graph paper should be oriented in profile.2. Calculate the ELR for each 300 m vertical segment and enter this information on the table (in the column to the right of the Station "A" temperatures). Provide a heading for this column.
Label the atmospheric layers (i.e., the bottom layer is 1, the next layer is 2, etc.) on the graph.